Forum Flash | Breathing easier

Students, faculty, staff and parents can breathe easier when visiting Jefferson County Public Schools since campuses became 100 percent tobacco free.

Under the new policy, which was approved by the Board of Education last year, no tobacco is allowed on any school property, including at events like football games, The Courier-Journal's Chris Kenning reported Tuesday. The policy extends to anyone on school property, including parents and visitors, at anyime and for school functions, like field trips.

Kentucky ranks No. 1 in the nation for youth smoking rates, and smoking is the No. 1 preventable cause of death in the state.

Keeping smoke out of the face of JCPS students sets a healthful example for them to follow, and "research shows 90 percent of people who avoid smoking as minors will not start later in life," Kenning reported.